Originally Blessed!

an original blessing community


  April 10, 2014    
  eNewsletter from
  EVOLVEChesapeake

 

   Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community   

 

We proclaim the promise of the rainbow,  
  the promise of Creation's sustaining love,    
determined to let no barriers, not gender, not sexuality,
not race, not age, not riches, nor lack, nor any human fear,
pull apart what our God has brought together in faith and love.

~ from "A Litany of Freedom and Pride"
IN THIS ISSUE
April 13th Sacred Gathering
From the Pastor's Keyboard
"Rabbi Jesus" Book Group Meeting
Food Bank
April Covenant Dates
"Sharing a common dream..."
Registration for Creation Spirituality Gathering in Pittsburgh
Creation Spirituality Communities
Spring Community Meeting
News from G.A.I.N.
Sacred Circle Last Sunday
Try the $5 iGive Challenge
More Ways to Support our Ministry
From Erine
LGBT Wedding Expo
Peace & Justice Conference
8th Point of Progressive Christianity
Photo by Rick Dove
Find Us on Facebook
Our Business Sponsors
Chuck Riley
Chuck makes a donation  to Evolve Chesapeake from every commission received through our community!  For your real estate needs in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, or across the country contact:

   

 iGive Logo

iGive.com

Check out Evolve Chesapeake's online bookstore at:
CCCS Sphere  
Join our Sacred Gathering on Sundays normally at 6 PM at the Annapolis Friends Meeting House, 351 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. Click here for directions. 
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

 APRIL 13, 2014
 
  Fourth Sunday on the Path of Transformation 
Sacred Gathering at 6 PM
at Annapolis Friends Meeting House 
351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 
 
"Jesus: A Conversation Partner" 
A Reflection by the Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt
 
Gathering Leaders: 
Set-up/Put-away: Sylvia Oliva   
Greeter/Usher: Chuck Riley    
Reader/Communion Assistant: Dave Miller    
Offering Invitation: Scott Bowling    
Community Hour Hostess: Suzie Robertson   
      
Christianity Beyond Convention!

 
From the Pastor's Keyboard
The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt

To experience or not to experience, that is the question!
 
Our Sacred Gathering reading on Sunday, March 30, was Job 28.  My wrestling with that text led me to call our community to mindfulness and to doing justice in the world as a way of experiencing Wisdom.  Mindfulness in our community led me to talk about my frustration with more "talking about experience of the Divine" than "experiencing the Divine" in our Sacred Gatherings.  I realize that experiencing the Divine is a subjective, individual and personal experience BUT I can make a shift in what we do at our Gatherings with the hope of enabling more experiencing and less listening to me.  
 
After a week of struggling with how I wanted to do this and fearing that it wouldn't go over well, I took a risk.  Borrowing from resources supplied by the Worship Jam at First United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, last Sunday our Sacred Gathering was very participatory and interactive.   We were invited to light a candle in the lobby while thinking of something for which we were thankful and then place the candle on the Community Table. We used a chant in the place of one of our songs.  Nearly everyone present took part in the reading from Ezekiel about the Valley of Dry Bones.  We had a time of personal reflection on twigs and soil.  We broke into small groups of 2-4 people to talk about how we experience the cosmic cycle of life, death and resurrection. We explored what grounds us.

 

I hope we can be a community which embraces many different practices which can lead to experience of the Divine in our collective and individual lives.  Enough of talking about experience of Divine encounter, let's explore ways of opening ourselves to the intimate connection with the Divine in our community. 

 

Your participation in this journey is encouraged. Your feedback is essential.  What brings or would bring you an experience of the Divine in our Sacred Gathering?

 

Book Group Meeting this Sunday, April 13th

This will be our second meeting with "Rabbi Jesus."  Join us at Annapolis Friends Meeting House from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.  We will discuss Chapters 4 through 7 or 8.  It is especially interesting as some members of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis and Annapolis Friends Meeting have joined the book group.  Contact Pastor Wayne for more information at (410) 353-5534 or
                     SchwandtW@aol.com.

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Please help the food bank if you can, by bringing along a food staple or personal care product such as soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc. when you come to Sacred Gathering. It is always appreciated.
April Covenant Dates
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Covenant Days  

April   2  Tony Teano Birthday
April   3  The Rev. Kathy Baker Birthday
April   6  Robert Brian Eathorne Death (2013)
April   9  George H. Kresslein, Sr. Birthday (d. 1997)
April 19  Esther Elizabeth Grosperrin Birthday (d. 1999)
April 19  Edward Lardizabal Birthday
April 20  Caroline Gaulke and Debbie Smith Holy Union (2002)
April 22  Daniel Teitjen Schellhorn Death (2008)
April 24  Roy D. Woods Death (2005)
April 26  André Hill Birthday
April 26  Zybia (Cy) Hosley Birthday (d. 2013)
April 26  Zybia (Cy) Hosley Ninetieth Birthday (2010)
April 26  Ralph Ferrante Death (2003)     




"Sharing a common dream 
of surrendering to this creative impulse 
to bring forth the future our hearts know is possible." 

                                                                 anon.

REGISTER NOW FOR A CREATION SPIRITUALITY GATHERING IN PITTSBURGH THIS SUMMER

 

Renew your friendships! Refresh your vision! re-Source! your CS Community! Gift your wisdom and skills to the Creation Spirituality movement! On June 20-22, 2014, the Creation Spirituality community will gather at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh for a time of spiritual renewal for ourselves and our communities. We will deepen our spiritual practices, body prayers, meditative art forms, ritual leadership, and spiritual wisdom to connect more deeply to Source and to enliven our compassionate action in the world.
Visit the  re-Source! website for information and to register.  
You can become an individual member of Creation Spirituality Communities or sign up  as a participant in the online CSC logo smallcommunity for free. Join our online community, Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community and take part in the discussion.  You can get more information and/or sign up by clicking on the following link: http://originalblessing.ning.com.  NOTE: This website is well worth checking out, with its interesting videos of Matthew Fox and others on different facets of Creation Spirituality.  You'll also find news of upcoming conferences and much more.
Evolve Chesapeake will hold its  
Spring Community (Congregational) Meeting  
May 18, 2014 
Those members of our Community who would like to serve on the Board of Directors for the next term can obtain a copy of the Questionnaire for Prospective Board of Directors from Sylvia Oliva. 
NEWS FROM G.A.I.N. (Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network):     

  

A COMMUNITY MEETING

for updates and to ask questions about

The Community Services Center at Crownsville, Inc. (CSCC)   

future Crownsville Community Campus

(the former Crownsville State Hospital Site)

 

AT THE FIRST CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ANNAPOLIS

1800 APOSTLE JOHNSON RD., ANNAPOLIS 21401

(off Crownsville Rd., across from the Renaissance Festival Grounds)

ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25 FROM 7:30 - 9:30 PM

 

Meeting is open to all those interested in the welfare of the Crownsville Hospital.

From Michael Leunig Appreciation Page in Facebook
   
Something from our Sacred Circle last Sunday 

O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land: thus you shall know that I am the Lord. I have promised and I will do it, says the Lord.
                                                                                                                        -Ezekiel 37:14  
Photo thanks to Erine Sedicum
As companions and guests arrived, each was invited to light a candle and place it on the community table as a gesture of gratitude. It was a low, round table in the center of our circle, and ample enough to hold the vases of forsythia, daffodils, orange flowers and little blue flowers that assured us it was Spring!  Also on the table were several little clay pots filled with good soil. It looked so beautiful and felt like coming to my "hearth and home!"

We sang "Come Now, O Wisdom," following the words on the DVD screen, which also showed slides illustrating the requests and yearnings expressed in this song.

Many of us offered to read a verse from Ezekiel's story about the "Dry Bones," which was one of the readings. It was done very creatively: each person chose a bit of paper on which was written one verse of the story, and he/she - one after the other in sequence - got up and stood around the community table to read it, while placing his/her hand on the person who had read previously. It was "bone" connecting to "bone," sort of like in the song "Dry bones, dry bones, dem dry bones now hear the word of the Lord."  I likened it to our
                                            building our Community body.                                      
A little later we chanted the intriguing "The soul loves the body. They are one. They are one. The soul loves the body. My body-my-soul, my love!"

We were then each invited to take one of the pots of soil to hold, and Pastor Wayne gave us all a little twig or branch.  We sat down holding them as Pastor Wayne gently drew us into an atmosphere of mindfulness to meditate, and then share in small groups what it means to us to be "grounded," or as in Ezekiel's words, "settled upon your land."  What is your "ground" and what is its potential?
                                                                                                 ~ Sylvia Oliva 

Try the April $5.00 iGive Challenge            

If iGive gets at least 1,000 new members a day during the month of April, it will donate $5 to Evolve Chesapeake for each new member that joins that month in support of Evolve Chesapeake.

In their best months, iGive gets 1,000 to 1,500 people joining each day.  So tell your friends about this good deal and we can meet the Challenge. There are over 1,400 participating stores and the average shopper raises $30 - $100 a year for their cause.  New members can sign up to support any cause, including our community, of course.  Joining is absolutely free and no purchase is necessary.  New members are only required to try the iGive button anytime before July 15th. 

   
If you have any questions, contact iGive at http://support.iGive.com. 

Why not share this with your friends!

 Evolve Chesapeake has earned $1,629.81 
through iGive as of April 10, 2014  

More Ways to Support our Ministry  
Check out our Welcome Table in the lobby. There are books for sale by Bruce Chilton, Matthew Fox, John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and others.  You'll also find Rick Dove's large selection of nature photography:  5x7 photocards @$3 and matted photographs @$10.  Buying these will help support Evolve Chesapeake's ministry.  See a sample of Rick's "awe and wonder" photo at the bottom of the newsletter.  
 
And remember, your used cell phones and empty ink jet and toner cartridges can also help fund our ministry.  These items fit nicely in the offering basket along with remembrance of time and talent you have offered to our ministries and your financial gifts.  Bring them to Gathering with you.  
From Erine 
As time travels I see the changes...
The Winter of my being
is the cold water rushing my feet,
The Spring is the dash of color
that splashes upon me,
The Summer is the heat
that reveals all your secrets.
The Fall is the thinking
and the changing...beautiful changing.

 'SAME LOVE, SAME RIGHTS' LGBT WEDDING EXPO       Sunday May 4th, 2014 from 12:30 to 3:30 PM         

     Crowne Plaza Rockville, 3 Research Ct, Rockville, MD       

        

You & your partner are invited to the 'Same Love, Same Rights' LGBT Wedding Expo in Rockville on Sunday, May 4th! Dozens of gay-friendly exhibitors will participate, eager to help you and your fiancee plan the ceremony of your dreams!  Photographers, DJs, Officiants, Wedding Planners, Venues, Jewelers, Invitations & more...  FREE Raffle Giveaways, LGBT-Planning Tips & Trends!

FREE TO ATTEND - Couples, singles, and allies interested in marriage rights are all invited.  Please RSVP through the website! www.SameLoveSameRights.com 

 

Rainbow Wedding Network, PO Box 2434, Weaverville, NC 28787; phone 828-645-8750  

Peace and Justice Conference

 

The 29th Annual Peace, Justice, & Environment Conference, "Peace and Justice through the Generations: Passing the Torch for a Better World," will be held Friday, April 25th at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Annapolis and Saturday, April 26th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.

 

Sponsored by Maryland United for Peace and Justice/Institute for Positive Action, the program will examine how different generations can work together to create a more peaceful, just and environmentally secure world.

 

Paul Chappell, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, will speak on "The Art of Waging Peace" for the Friday evening program." A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30, with the speaker at 7:30.

                                                                                               

The Saturday program, from 8:35 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., will feature talks by Kristi Casteel on "I Refuse:  Joshua Casteel's Journey from West Point Cadet to Conscientious Objector and Peacemaker;" Kathleen McClellan and W. Kirk Wiebe on "The Criminalization of Whistle-Blowing;" and Senator Jamie Raskin, giving a Maryland General Assembly session wrap-up. Three workshop sessions will allow registrants to choose among a variety of peace and justice topics.   For a complete list, see MUPJ.org. 

 

The Key School is one of three youth programs that will be awarded an annual Benjamin Peace Award.  They are honored for supporting the Teaching Peace Initiative.

 

To register, or to reserve a table to distribute or sell literature or other materials, download a registration form from MUPJ.org or contact Paulette Hammond at 443-418-5479.  Please RSVP by April 20th so organizers can order enough food.  Registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch with a vegetarian option.

 

Before April 20, the registration fee is $30 for individuals, with reductions for families, retired people, and students.  For details, see mupj.org or contact Paulette Hammond at 443-418-5479.  Scholarships are available.

 

Lunch will be catered by Lighthouse Caterers.   Entertainment will be by Max Ochs, who will offer a tribute to Pete Seeger.


FROM THE 8 POINTS OF PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY:

Point 8.  By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians
who recognize that being followers of Jesus is costly, and entails selfless love, conscientious resistance to evil, and renunciation of privilege.

Thank you to all who read this newsletter and to all who send contributions that liven it up!  Please send your poems, articles, news, photographs, announcements, etc. to:  EvolveSylvia@gmail.com.  And we would love to  know how we can improve our newsletter.  

"Don't just watch the sunrise, FEEL the sunrise."
Photographed in Shady Side, Maryland by Rick Dove

Find us on Facebook 

If you have a profile on Facebook, become a fan of CCSC (Evolve Chesapeake) 
by clicking here.  Upload pictures, start a discussion, invite friends.
 
Visit our website: www.EvolveChesapeake.com
  and other great websites under Quick Links in the top left column. 
And join us in Sacred Gathering this Sunday.